Nairn: Huge respect to the emergency services
CELEBRITY chef Nick Nairn has thanked people for their support after a “terrible fire” at one of his restaurants. More than 30 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze at Nick’s on Henderson Street in Bridge of Allan. Fire crews were called to the scene at 8.17pm on Saturday and found a “well developed” fire in the kitchen. Pictures on social media showed smoke and flames pouring from the building in the town near Stirling. Nairn tweeted: “Just to let you know, terrible fire at Nicks BofA tonight, but thankfully all staff and customers unhurt. “Huge respect and thanks to the emergency services who were incredible.”
In a later post, he added: “Just processing the enormity of tonight’s fire at Nicks BofA. Overwhelmed by the love. Thank you all so much. Love right back at you.”
Two people were treated for smoke inhalation and the last crew left at 3.30am on Sunday.
Nairn, 62, from Stirling, told how the fire that erupted “in the middle of service” was a “bitter pill to swallow” after the pandemic.
An off-duty police officer marshalled diners out of the building within 90 seconds, hepling prevent a tragedy.
The TV chef revealed what had caused the fire, saying: “A deep-fat fryer started bubbling over in the kitchen, while the restaurant was very busy.
“We unplugged it but it burst into flames so we threw a fire blanket over it, which didn’t work.
“We used the two kitchen Co2 canisters but when that failed, the fryer just exploded.”
Nairn described the sight of his burning restaurant as “horrendous”. He added: “After being flooded this year and the terrible time we have faced with Covid-19 restrictions, this was truly the last thing we needed.”
But he vowed: “We will come back from this, stronger than ever. The main thing is everyone is safe.”
Images from the aftermath on Sunday morning show the restaurant completely gutted.
A large cordon was still in place and two police vans were at the scene.
Nick’s on Henderson Street thanked people for their support in a Facebook post.
It said: “After an eventful evening, we want to let you all know every staff member and customer is safe and well and we want to thank the extraordinary amount of support and love we’ve felt from so many people – it’s so appreciated! We’ll be back, we promise.”
Nairn became Scotland’s youngest chef to win a Michelin star in 1991.
He has also appeared on television shows including Ready Steady Cook, Saturday Kitchen and Great British Menu.